Bachelor
2025/2026
Banks and Banking Systems
Type:
Compulsory course (International Programme 'International Relations and Global Studies')
Delivered by:
Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs
When:
4 year, 1, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Darya Litvinova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course introduces students into international banking and various mechanisms of international banking regulation and financial stability. It also explains the role of central bank in national regulation of banks and banking sector. The course also covers the issue of international banks and their role in the international development assistance.
Learning Objectives
- To provide students with a holistic understanding of how banks and banking systems operate, both in the Russian and international contexts. To introduce students to the role of banks in the banking system, the functional diversity of bank operations, banking business models, and the structural features of banking systems. To equip students with the knowledge of the main institutional features of central banks and the range of tasks and policies they perform, taking into account international differences. To present to students an organizational picture of international banking and the global banking system, with an emphasis on the main actors. To provide students with basic practical skills to work on research questions in the field of banks and banking systems.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Understanding the work of banks and banking systems, the place and role of banks in the financial system and the economy as a whole
- Acquiring knowledge of the main historical, institutional and organizational features of the Russian banking system and the main players in the global banking sector
- Awareness of the main problems arising in the banking sector and ways to solve them
- Mastering the terminology used in the banking sector, acquiring skills in working with a number of key analytical sources on banks
Course Contents
- Introduction
- Money, inflation and interest rates
- Justification for the existence of banks – the Diamond model
- Functions of banks
- Development and current structure of the banking system of the Russian Federation
- The Bank of Russia, its main functions.
- Banking risks and risk management.
- International banking regulation and its reform after the global crisis.
- Banking systems.
- Banking systems of China, India.
- Banks in foreign jurisdictions.
- Money, inflation and interest rates.
Assessment Elements
- Tests (quizzes)
- ExamIn the exam, the students should demonstrate their understanding of the materials studied in the lectures and seminars. This is an oral exam; it is conducted in the form of discussion between the faculty member and the students on the most topical issues in the international banking and central banking areas. Presentations are not required. N.B. It is prohibited to use any supportive materials (books, personal notes, electronic devices) when speaking during the exam. Sample questions for the exam:
- Team ProjectThe aim of the project is to examine the students ability to conduct an in depth group research and orally present the results in the auditorium (max of 4-5 people in a group, ppt slides are expected and are crucial for the defense). Duration of the presentation -20 min followed by a q&a session of up to 10 mins. Students should be ready to actively participate in the seminars – to comment, discuss, and answer the questions following the subject/issue/case/discussion pertaining to the topics presented by their peer students. The list of the topics will be provided additionally.
- Seminars
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.3 * Exam + 0.25 * Seminars + 0.25 * Team Project + 0.2 * Tests (quizzes)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Frederic S. Mishkin. (2013). The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets: Pearson New International Edition : The Business School Edition. Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1418827
- Mishkin, F. S. (2016). The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets, Global Edition (Vol. Eleventh edition). Boston: Pearson. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1419607
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Risk management in banking, Bessis, J., 2015